Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1887-05-12
THE PLATFORMS.
Another Letter on Their Compar-
ative Worth.

The fifth section of the platform
of the National party pledges itself
against all species of corruption in
the details of the government of
their nation and inculcates pure
and patriotic motives in legislative
conduct. 1t also opposes the fill
ing of any Office in which a mem
Der of the senate or council may
have a personal and pecuniary in
terest and the section following
pledges itself that all lawful con-
tracts and obligations of the nation
shall be upheld. IL there was any
occasion, or even if circumstances
demanded, there would be
reasonable excuse and pardon for
sections five and six Of this plat
form. We do not think, nor does
it seem supposable for a moment,
that the late councillors think there
is a necessity for the incorporation
into this platform, provisions pro-
hibiting the monstrous vices men
toned. In the "palmiest" days
Of the National party she never
needed the provision Of q platform
to extend around it the protection
Of such a provision to save it from
the greed and ayarice that actuates
many political parties. fla sena-
tor or councillor becomes so corrupt
as to not let a spirit Of patriotism
be the incentive TO honest legisla-
ton, and has strayed so far from n
mothers teaching as to fill an office
in which he may derive a personal
or pecuniary benefit, he is not fit
ted 10 be legislator and the sooner
removed and "ousted" the better
for himself, party and country.
So far rs the nation being faithful
to its contracts and obligations is
concerned, ii is only necessary to
say that, in our opinion, and so far
as we know, she has always faith
fully fulfilled them and many times
at considerable expense 10 herself,
as she is now doing every day.
But, it may be the party means to
see that she honestly fulfills these
obligations, if the National party
be successful in the coming elec-
ton. 1t ought never to have made
mention of these facts in its plat
form, as the party needs no assur-
ance of that fact, much less the
people at large, who are going to
choose for themselves in the COM
ing election whom to vote for.
The fifth section Of the Downing
platform acknowledges the great
object of keeping peace and friend
ship among on. own citizens, claim
ing this government and her insti-
tutions must be preserved by
united effort ofthe people. II also !
guarantees eql ] justice TO all citi-
zens and every right guaranteed |
them under the laws, constitution
aud treaties, and specifically men
tions the Shawnees, Cherokees by |
blood, Delawares, Freed men,
Creeks and adopted citizens. Ii !
viii strive TO make every citizen |
feel this is his home and that here |
his life, liberty and property are
protected. In this there is no room !
for misconstruction, misinterpreta-
ton or misunderstanding of their
rights. There never should have
been in the first place, but all peo-
pie can't see alike when they don't |
want to. And when they say they |
coald not understand it they could |
not understand simple English, |
then, for of all simple things that /
certainly was the simplest Of all. |
But the mentioned classes who !
have been deprieyed ofthe.r rights |
now have en- opportunity to thor
oughly try a party on its own prop. /
osition and see lift will not per- |
form what II agrees TO, and then I'll
II fails SO 10 do they have lust
Iaason and cause 10 support any |
other party that win give them all /
the rights guaranteed them N
treaty, constitution and law. Soit /
only takes a mere glance 70 zoe
hat there is considerable difference
IA tile eano eqnffo4a ~ fln.fuo